Your path to the Main Stage begins with your online registration. As we only have space for around 20 to 25 finalists, we will take a close look at all entries in advance. So that we can get a good picture of your work, a small portfolio with recent photos (including work-in-progress images) is important for the selection process.

• Registration: Registration is straightforward via our Google Forms.

• Deadline: Please register by October 09, 2026 at the latest.

• Portfolio: Upload meaningful photos that show the current state of your costume.

• Feedback: You will be informed by e-mail by mid-October whether you are in the final.

We celebrate craftsmanship! We are particularly interested in how much of your own work goes into your project. It’s about how you use and process different materials to make your cosplay. We’re not looking for perfect store-bought costumes, but genuine creations that bear your own signature.

• Own contribution: At least 60% of your costume must be homemade.

• No stress with purchased items: Shoes or wigs can of course be bought, as long as the overall look is yours.

• Honesty: Be prepared to briefly explain to us which parts you have built yourself and how.

• Prohibition: Complete purchased cosplays are not permitted.

Modern cosplay art uses a variety of tools, from sewing machines to 3D printers. We welcome innovation as long as the creative process is yours. We pay particular attention to the finish and customization of technology-based processes.

• 3D printing: Permitted, as long as the post-processing (grinding, painting) is your own work.

• Choice of material: There are no restrictions on the materials used (Worbla, fabric, foam, etc.).

• Innovation: Special technologies such as electronics or mechanics have a positive influence on the evaluation.

• WIP photos: Submit pictures of your progress to demonstrate your techniques.

Safety is essential at a major event like the VIECC®. Any prop that looks like a weapon is subject to strict controls. We support spectacular props as long as they do not pose a danger to you or others at any time.

• Material ban: No sharp metal blades, glass or heavy, solid wooden props.

• Firearms: Functional weapons (soft air, paintball, etc.) are strictly prohibited.

• Marking: Toy guns must have an orange plug in the barrel.

• Check: Every weapon must pass the official security check before the performance.

In order for you to shine on stage without getting stuck, we need to keep an eye on the dimensions of your cosplay. Large wings or expansive armor are impressive, but must remain manageable and fit through standard doors.

• Maximum height: Your cosplay including props may not be higher than 2.5 meters.

• Maximum width: The span should not exceed 1.5 meters.

• Agility: You must be able to enter and leave the stage safely.

The show on the main stage is the moment when you present your craft to the audience. It’s less about acting sketches and more about the effective staging of your character through poses and presence in front of the cameras.

• Performance time: You have approx. 60 to 120 seconds on stage.

• Posing: We recommend at least three striking poses for photos and jury.

• No sketches: Own theatrical performances with dialog are not planned.

• End of show: The award ceremony takes place immediately after the competition.

To ensure that the show runs professionally and smoothly, we take care of the technical design of your performance. You provide us with the facts about your costume and we make sure that they are presented to the audience at the right moment.

• Intro text: Create a description (max. 150 words) which the moderator reads out.

• Music: The VIECC provides a fitting, epic musical backdrop for all participants.

• No audio input: Own USB sticks with sound or music cannot be accepted.

• Speech ban: The use of microphones by participants is not permitted during the performance.

The actual decision is often made before the spotlight. During pre-judging on Saturday, you meet the jury in a quiet area. This is your chance to show off the “invisible” work – for example, neat internal seams or complex substructures.

• Compulsory attendance: Anyone who misses the pre-judging will not be allowed to take part in the final.

• Timetable: You will find out your exact date when you are accepted in mid-October.

• Preparation: Have short explanations ready for your most difficult work steps.

• Reference images: Bring a printed image of your template for the jury.

The jury will take a very close look at your work. When selecting our judges, we make sure that they are real professionals from the scene who know what they’re talking about – whether you’re swinging a needle and thread or building armor with a hot air gun. Your cosplay will be judged by people who know how much work goes into every detail. To ensure that everything remains fair, the jury uses a system that objectively assesses both your craftsmanship and your fidelity to the original.

• Accuracy: How close is your cosplay to the character’s original design?

• Complexity: What levels of difficulty and techniques did you master during production?

• Cleanliness: How neatly are the edges, seams and surfaces finished?

• Fair judging: As the jury is experienced in both sewing and crafting, each craft is equally valued.

• The prizes: The jury jointly decides on the 1st to 3rd place as well as the personal Judges Choice Awards.

A fair competition is based on mutual respect. We expect all finalists to behave in a sportsmanlike manner behind the scenes and on stage. The Championships are a place of community where we celebrate the achievements of all artists.

• Sportsmanship: Insults or sabotage towards competitors will lead to exclusion.

• Instructions: The instructions of VIECC staff must be followed.

• Backstage etiquette: Keep your area clean and be considerate of other costumes.

• Jury decision: The jury’s verdicts are final and incontestable.

As a family-friendly event, we attach great importance to an appropriate presentation on stage. We want all visitors – from young to old – to be able to enjoy your cosplay without overstepping the boundaries of good taste.

• Protection of minors: No excessive nudity or sexually suggestive poses.

• No politics: Religious or political messages are prohibited on stage.

• Depiction of violence: Exaggerated blood or horror effects must be approved in advance.

• Cleanliness: Do not leave any residue (glitter, water, flour) on the stage.

We have summarized the most important points here on this page to give you a quick overview. However, as the Championships are a major competition, there are of course also the detailed official rules and regulations. There you will find all the details on liability, data protection and the general guidelines of the trade fair – this is how we ensure that everything is legally secure and fair for all participants.

• Transparency: Please take a look at the complete set of rules before you register so that you are fully informed.

• Link: You can find the complete official rules here.